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Math education can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of strong problem-solving skills, sharp analytical thinking, and even a rewarding career in fields like technology and engineering. But RAND research has shown that students have uneven access to advanced math courses.
In many schools, students are grouped into math classes based on their academic performance (or their perceived academic performance). This practice, often called tracking, can start as early as elementary school and becomes more common in middle school and high school. It creates a ripple effect that can make it nearly impossible for students placed in lower-track courses to take the same advanced classes as their peers.
Teachers have significant influence in how students are tracked. They also can play a key role in helping students who are falling behind in math. However, many educators themselves need more resources and support, such as professional development or access to math tutors for struggling students.
But when teachers have the support they need to help students realize their full potential, then the results can be transformative. “To put it simply, math teachers and their opinions, recommendations, encouragement, and mentorship matter deeply,” says RAND's Julia Kaufman. “The influence they have can be life-changing for students.”
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